Friday afternoon, Presidente Poncio sent out an email, saying the work was going well, the missionaries were on an adjusted schedule, but everyone was safe and not to worry.
Saturday was a very bad day in Nicaragua. More deaths occurred, including the specific targeting of two US citizens. Also, at least two church members were killed.
On Sunday, during Sunday school, my phone started to go off. Generally, I'd ignore it, but it was enough that I checked to see what was going on. The family of Hermana Curtis was asking me if I'd seen the news on Facebook. Members from Nicaragua were asking me if Alyssa was ok. I went home, thus beginning my 24+ hours of sheer panic.
News was trickling in, but the consensus seemed to be that the church had announced in some parts that the missionaries were leaving. It turns out that in many zones, they were already gone.
Saturday night at 10:00 pm, Alyssa received word that they needed to be to the church at 4:00 am to be evacuated. Due to the many roadblocks in place, the buses were several hours late. It took a long time and several bribes to pass through the blockades, but they eventually arrived at the Best Western in Managua, where the entire mission was gathered.
They had all left in such a hurry, with no chance to say goodbye to anyone. There was a general sense of disbelief and shock among the missionaries. Some (including Alyssa) begged to be able to stay. These youth really had learned to love the country and the people. In talking to Alyssa, she told us about the Sacrament meeting they put together in a conference room at the hotel. They were able to take the Sacrament together and hear from the mission president. She said it was one of the most spiritual experiences she has ever had. Tears were shed as they said their goodbyes and found out where they would be serving next. She even got a big hug from President Poncio, which she said she was not ready for. I can only imagine the heartbreak these wonderful missionaries experienced. Alyssa did get to say goodbye to Hermana Caballero.
Of course back home, Lori and I were a mess. We slept little, and basically just kept checking our emails and Alyssa's bank account for any activity. Suddenly early Monday morning, a charge for Las Hamacas popped up. I was unable to figure out what that was. Frustrating! Then the family of Sister Curtis pinged me, saying a charge for over $200 had popped up on Emma's account, and she had purchased an airplane ticket. I was out jogging, trying to clear my mind, and I hit the panic button. Did Alyssa have that much in her account? I thought I'd better get some more in her account. I called my wife to pick me up, so I could get on my laptop and transfer some funds. Only after I hung up and had calmed down a bit did I remember I had the Mountain America app on my phone and could transfer money in with a few touches. Oops!
Lori told me I could not go to work. She had faith Alyssa would call with news, but she didn't know whose cell phone she would call. Michelle brought over our grandson to help distract us and pass the time. I saw a charge for Chick-Fil-A 69 come in. Where was that? I Googled it, and Lori actually called the franchise headquarters, but to no avail. I did see they do not have any international locations, so it would seem Alyssa was back on US soil.
Finally, Alyssa called! We had sent a Tracfone with her when she left, so she could call us while passing time at a long layover in Atlanta. She had kept it, charged it up, and put some more minutes on it. Smart girl! She once again called from Atlanta, only this time on her way to the Indiana, Indianapolis mission. What a relief for us, but she was so sad and I could tell she was just in shock from it all. Tears were shed, and we tried our best to reassure her. She called again once she was in Indiana.
When Alyssa got to the airport in Managua, the mission home had lost her residency card. The country was not going to let her leave. The church actually had to basically pay a bribe to get Alyssa out of the country. How crazy is that? And the truth finally came out - it was very dangerous down there! Alyssa said she has many stories to tell us. I can only imagine. She was so alarmed when she learned President Poncio was staying behind. She asked us to pray for his safety.
When I heard Indiana, two people came to mind. One, our son Braden served there! And two, one of Alyssa's best friends, Mckenzie Branch, was serving there RIGHT NOW! I texted her Mom, who almost immediately called Lori. Let's just say we have a pretty detailed shopping list now of things to send to Alyssa!
Kenzie's Mom also told Sister Branch that Alyssa was on her way, and she sprang into action. She is a sister training leader out there, so she called the mission president and arrange for her to be the one to pick up Alyssa and take her to her first area! And she said she was taking Alyssa a dress, as Alyssa is pretty concerned about the state of her clothing. I am so thankful for tender mercies such as this. Alyssa is very sad about leaving Nicaragua, but this will really help her. Here's a pic of the day Kenzie opened her mission call!
Another fun story. Sister Branch received her call about a month before Alyssa. Right after she got her call, she had a dream about Alyssa serving in the same mission. When Alyssa was called to Nicaragua, they chalked it up as just a dream. Let's just say the spirit was felt strongly, and more tears shed, when Alyssa was sent to Indiana.
Braden has been in contact with folks he knows where Alyssa will be serving, and I think some dinners have been arranged!
I know Heavenly Father was watching over the missionaries, and their departure couldn't have been delayed any longer. My heart breaks for the good people of Nicaragua, and they remain in my prayers. I pray for the safety of President Poncio as he remains in country. I pray for the members I have come to know that are down there. Mari Mendoza is a member in Managua, who actually works at the airport. She expressed the sorrow of watching all the missionaries leaving while she was at work, and I can't even begin to understand how that must have hurt. I told her to keep the faith, and that missionaries would be back someday. A temple will be built in Nicaragua for the good church members. The work will go on. Maybe the enemy feels he has obtained a victory in this battle, but the war goes on.
